JAKE HARTFORD

From Walter Jacobson to John Kass, some of the biggest names in Chicago media are forever indebted to James Edwards for making them look good
time and time again.

As Jim Edwards, he was an award-winning investigative producer for CBS 2, a mentor to numerous journalists, and a confidante to governors,
anchormen and columnists.

As his alter ego Jake Hartford, he was a uniquely gifted radio personality who reached a career peak with his promotion just one month ago to
Monday-through-Friday midday host at news/talk WLS-AM (890).

But colleagues are remembering him mainly as a true Chicago original and a “great, loyal and honest friend” who never took his success for
granted.

Edwards, 63, suffered a heart attack and died Saturday at his home in southwest suburban Lockport. “This is devastating news for everyone in
our family, and we greatly appreciate all of the kind words that have been offered to us during our struggle,” his family said in a statement
Sunday. “It’s truly incredible how many people he has affected positively through pursuing the work that he loved so dearly.”